Three major forms of IKB like molecules have been identified and each is characterised by multiple copies of ankyrin repeats. IkappaB alpha and IkappaB beta appear to be the major regulatory forms of IKB in most cells. These proteins interact with p65 or cRel containing forms of NFkappaB and block nuclear import by masking the nuclear localisation sequences of NFkappaB. The activation of NFkappaB involves the inducible phosphorylation and subsequent degradation of IkappaB. Immunoblotting easily detects the hyperphosphorylated forms of IkappaB alpha, but not phosphorylated IkappaB beta. Interestingly, IkappaB alpha and IkappaB beta mediate different NFkappaB responses. IkappaB alpha appears to control more transient activation of NFkappaB in response to an inducer, while IkappaB beta controls a persistent response. Bcl3 interacts with p50 and p52 containing forms of NFkappaB, but rather than being an inhibitor it appears to function to stimulate transcription. The degradation of IkappaB is confirmed by immunoblotting.

Concentration

1.0 mg/ml

General Readings

Mattioli I, et al. (2004)J Immunol; 172(10): 6336-44.

Courtois G, et al. (2003)J Clin Invest; 112(7): 1108-15.

Nair A, et al. (2003) Oncogene; 22(1): 50-8.

Fan C, et al. (2002)J Cell Sci; 115(Pt 24): 4843-53.

Schubert SY, et al. (2002)FASEB J; 16(14): 1931-3.

Storage

Store the antibody (in aliquots) at -20°C.Avoid repeated freezing and thawing.Shelf life: One year from despatch.